Columbine is a classic flower that has been enjoyed in gardens for decades! A hardly perennial, it comes in a variety of colors that allows you to match the blooms to your landscaping design. Easy to grow and even easier to enjoy, Columbine is the perfect flower for making your yard pop. Take a look below at these Tips for Growing Columbine in your own garden, so you can enjoy all of the beauty this plant has to offer.
Tips for Growing Columbine
1. Seed or seedling? Your choice! When growing Columbine, you have your choice of growing seeds or seedlings. Seeds will be a more budget friendly option, while seedlings give you quicker results. The choice here is yours and one method doesn’t outweigh the other. Think about how much time you have to grow (if you live in a chilly climate, seedlings may be better since they will take off quickly and can be enjoyed sooner) and make a choice on what works for you. You can find both seeds and seedlings at your local gardening center.
2. Provide them two feet to grow. Whether planting seeds or seedlings, you want to provide your Columbine two feet to grow. They do like to stretch and spread out, so avoid overcrowding by spacing seeds or seedlings two feet apart.
3. Avoid extreme heat. Columbine do not like extreme heat. While they do like sun, they do not require full sun. Instead, pick a space that gets partial shade so the plant gets the sun it needs but does enjoy a break during the day.
4. Soil must drain well. When choosing your planting spot, never pick an area where water pools after a heavy rain. Columbine do not like muddy feet, so be sure you only plant in an area where the soil drains well on its own.
5. Feed with a liquid fertilizer. Columbine will respond well to a liquid fertilizer. Water with a liquid fertilizer additive every few weeks to keep your Columbine nourished and looking its very best! You can find this type of feed at any home and garden center.
6. Remove dead foliage. Picking off dead foliage with your hands is a great way to keep the plant healthy. It will also encourage the plant to develop new blooms, which helps you enjoy a flowering plant all season long. You can even toss the dead foliage and blooms into your compost where it will help enrich it.
7. Cut back at the end of the season. At the end of the season, cut the stems down to the base and you can cover it with a light layer of mulch. Come spring, your Columbine should pop right back up and give you another season of blooms and enjoyment! There is no need to pull it up or bring it indoors, just follow these steps and it will enjoy a restful winter.
Are you ready to add the beauty of Columbine to your garden? Give these Tips for Growing Columbine a try and see how you too can enjoy success.
Katie says
Such a pretty perennial I’ve been looking for something taller to plant in my part-shade garden – thanks for the tips
Janet Vinyard says
Hi Katie, Thanks for sharing this – I have one that’s in distress. Blessings, Janet
Jaclyn | One Thousand Oaks says
These are one of my favorite flowers! Our front yard gets a lot of shade so it is perfect for us!
– Jaclyn
Kim says
I am trying to pick the perfect spot to plant Columbine, I have heard it’s fairly easy to grow. I know I already missed the planting this year, but will try for next season. Thanks for the tips!
Rory says
Not to late to plant Kim
Suzy Godfrey says
I think Columbine just be my favorite flower! Such beautiful detail and such variety.